How to Build Display Shelves

The clean lines of this simple shelf in your bedroom, bath, entryway, kitchen, or living room enhance whatever you choose to display on it. Those same lines tell you that this project is easy to build from readily available materials.

Size considerations
The shelf is 32 inches long, sized to span two wall studs spaced 16 inches on center, the traditional construction of a framed plaster or drywall-covered wall. If you want to lengthen it, keep stud spacing in mind. Some homes are built using 24-inch stud spacing. If your walls are lath-and-plaster or brick, you'll need to use appropriate hangers.

Other treatments
Although this shelf is shown in naturally finished maple, it can easily be made of any species available. Finish options are as varied as the range of stains and paints available. Keep in mind, though, that softwoods, such as pine, and some plain hardwoods, such as poplar, often look best when painted.

Place the cutout pattern on a maple piece wide enough for the side supports. With a combination square, draw a line at a 45-degree angle to the direction of the grain. Align the pattern with the line and trace it onto the board. Repeat for a second piece (two are needed).

Make sure the side support profile aligns across the grain, as shown in the side support pattern drawing. Cut the straight edges. Use a jigsaw to make the curved cut along the pattern line. Repeat for the second piece. Sand edges smooth.

If you want to display plates on the shelf, rout a groove to keep the plates from slipping off. Before you assemble the shelf, mount a 1/8-inch round-nose bit in a router. With a guide attached to the router, cut a 1/4-inch-deep plate groove in the top of the shelf (A), 2-1/4 inches from the back edge. If you don't have a router, you can cut a shallow groove using a straightedge, backsaw, and chisel, or you could use a table saw.

Cut the rear support rail (C) to size. Refer to the drawing to lay out screw hole locations on the rail for mounting to wall studs (adjust for stud spacing other than 16 inches). With a 1/8-inch countersink bit, drill holes for #8 wood screws.

Position the support rail (C) between the two side supports (B) and check for a flush fit. Apply wood glue to the ends of the support rail, position the side supports to the ends, and clamp in place. Set aside and let the assembly dry.

Drive #8x1-1/2-inch flathead wood screws into screw holes in the side supports. Be sure the screws sink into the wood below the 3/8-inch holes. Then coat the holes with glue and press 3/8-inch maple mushroom screw hole plugs into place.

Drive #8x1-1/2-inch flathead wood screws into screw holes in the side supports. Be sure the screws sink into the wood below the 3/8-inch holes. Then coat the holes with glue and press 3/8-inch maple mushroom screw hole plugs into place.

Most wood-frame homes are built with wall studs spaced 16 inches on center. If you expect a shelf to support a load, you must mount it to the studs. Find studs with an electronic stud finder, then mark their location.

Have a helper assist you in lining up the shelf with the line, then insert a nail set through the screw holes and tap indentations into the wall. Remove the shelf and drill 5/32-inch pilot holes into the studs.

Reposition the shelf over the holes, then drive the #8x3-inch flathead wood screws into the shelf and wall. Complete the installation by pressing in (don't glue) finished mushroom-head screw hole plugs.